The Regiment was authorized on August 23, 1776 in the Continental Army as the Northampton and Northumberland Defense Battalion and assigned to the Middle Department. Redesignated on September 16, 1776 as the 12th Pennsylvania Regiment. Organized in between September 28- December 18, 1776 at Sunbury to consist of 8 companies from Northampton, Berks, Cumberland and Northumberland Counties. It was assigned on May 22, 1777 to the 3rd Pennsylvania Brigade, an element of the Main Continental Army. Consolidated on July 1, 1778 with the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment.